Barbie Live! The Musical

Get your sparkle on!

My daughter and my niece definitely enjoyed seeing the world’s favorite doll – Barbie together with her friends in a lively musical production.

A simple yet valuable production that kids and adults can definitely relate to. The show encourages goodness and being a friend to others.

The story follows Barbie and her best friend Teresa during the filming of a new movie, set in a Hollywood sound stage.

Teresa is insecure about her acting abilities and doubts her talent. To make it challenging, their co-star Raquel wants to steal Teresa’s role in the movie. Barbie rescues Teresa and takes her on a tour through time to boost her confidence.

Barbie uses lessons from her movies “Swan Lake," "Barbie the Mariposa" and "Princess and the Popstar" to teach Teresa how to conquer her fears. In the end, Teresa gains confidence and believe in herself and her abilities

get your sparkle on!

It’s a lively story of true friendship and the journey towards self-confidence. Audience surely realized the importance to face their fears and do what they love.

The stage, music, choreography, lighting and of course the cast are really amazing! The costumes are indeed glam, and the lighting and set designs are all spectacular.

Girls, Barbie fans and even adults had a great time with the upbeat songs such as "Look How High We Can Fly," "Just Be A Friend," and "Get Your Sparkle On."

girls were in awe seeing this beautiful room :)

It’s also enjoyable to see the cast interact with the audience.

This is indeed a must-see show!

Barbie cast

They also have a Meet-and-Greet event after the show for Php 1,500. It's a fundraising affair for the benefit of Yolanda survivors  which comes with the show’s souvenir program.

Barbie Live! The Musical runs until Dec 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thank you Inquirer Libre for the tickets! 

Glamourbox Secret Santa Box

I received my first Glamourbox! It's the Secret Santa box filled with wonderful goodies.

Got excited to see what this box contains! I'm surprised that there's a perfume, a necklace and a bath cream.

The note from Secret Santa :)

 Take a look at the goodies inside!

Avon Only Imagine EDP | Zen Zest Kitchen Fragrance | Holika Holika Puff | The Cream Factory Bath Cream

+ Avon Only Imagine EDP 50ml (Full Size 50 ml - P 1,500)
Delight in an extraordinary moment of sparkling green apple touched with the surprise of violet blossom and soft musk in this uplifting & joyous fragrance.

+ The Cream Factory Bath Cream in Goat's Milk & Jojoba 221 ml (Full Size 26 fl oz - P 699)
This bath cream has goat's milk from the Netherlands and active botanical extracts to keep your skin velvety-smooth and fresh all day.

+ Holika Holika Pure Mellow Multi Puff (Full Size 25g - P 265)
Inspired by multi-colored marshmallows, this multi-puff delicately covers all the curves of your face for an even & flawless application

+ Zen Zest Kitchen Fragrance in Choco Cappuccino 50 ml (Full Size 250 ml - P 250)
Take away all evidence of frying or grilling and strip the air of overpowering food scents with this sweet coffee kitchen fragrance!

More items!

Paula's Choice Sachet | Fabulosa Necklace | Holika Holika CC Cream | Strip It |

+ Holika Holika CC Cream 5ml (Full Size 50 ml - P 855)
Packed with hyaluronic acid and argan oil, it brightens and improves the texture of your skin while giving a no-makeup look.

+ Paula's Choice Sachets - Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel  and Shine Stopper Sachet

+ Fabulosa Necklace

+ Strip It 10% Off Voucher

These items really bring cheer to the holiday season!

For this beauty subscription box, I get more of what I've paid for.
This box only cost Php 595, while the approximate value of all the items is Php 2000+.

This is my beauty birthday and Christmas gift to myself... something really good and useful!

To get your GlamourBox visit www.glamourbox.ph.

Most Inspiring Quotes and Wisdom from Nelson Mandela

Farewell to the great Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

"Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity." - documentary interview, 1994

Mankind lost a mandkind lost a great son who inspired countless individuals. An amazing anti-apartheid leader, peacemaker, and a revolutionary global icon.

Here are some of his uplifiting and inspirational words:

• What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.
• Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested. but I would not and could not give myself up to despair.
• Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
• It always seems impossible until it's done.
• Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.
• We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
• I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
• The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
• Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.
• Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.
• I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
• Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.
• There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find ways in which you yourself have altered. - A Long Walk To Freedom, 1994.
• A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. - Long Walk to Freedom, 1994

Ballet Philippines' A Christmas Carol

Our Christmas Season started by watching Ballet Philippines' A Christmas Carol at the CCP.

This ballet show, choreographed by Ms. Edna Froilan is based on Charles Dickens' popular novel, A Christmas Carol.

What I love about it is the modern twist and fresh approach on the novel and ballet dance. Both the music and choreography are excellent!

Combining classical ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop is such a genius idea! Its unique and cool concept kept us interested throughout the show. The dancers, even the little kids, are amazing as always.

Despite the grim theme of ghosts and loss, the show is far from being dull.

It will bring you as Ebenezer Scrooge journey through the past, the present and the future to find the spirit of Christmas.

The Ghost of Christmas Past brought him to his boyhood days, the delight of seeing his sister Fran, up to the day he was sent to be an apprentice at a warehouse. In Fezziwig's warehouse, he found happiness, friendship and love... but turned to bitterness after breaking off with Belle because of this chase for wealth.

with the Ghost of Christmas Past

The arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Present in his lively Christmas tree costume is such a joy (didn't get to take a photo with him after the show).

He took him to the homes of Bob Cratchit's and to his nephew Fred's. It's fun to watch the lively dance with hip-hop showdowns of the villagers.

Here, Scrooge gets to see how they had fun and celebrate the season; but gets shocked when he learned how people sees and makes fun of him.

The Ghost of Christmas Future shows him the death of Tiny Tim and his dismal future.

with the Ghost of Christmas Future

In the end, the cold-hearted Scrooge changed and rekindled his good-natured spirit. He traded his "Bah, Humbug!" with warm Christmas greetings.

See, there's still hope!

This is a must-see production.

A Christmas Carol will let you journey through sadness, comedy, hope and fear. But in the end, the spirit of the Christmas season - love, giving and sharing, rule above all.

Don't let those bad stuff and misfortunes that happened in your life be an excuse to like "Scrooge" or feel grouchy. The Christmas Season is a time to be grateful and yes, there's always a reason to celebrate.

You still have time to catch this show until December 8.

December 5: 3 PM
December 6: 10 AM & 3 PM
December 7: 6 PM
December 8: 2 PM & 6 PM

Christmas Gift Idea: Paco Rabanne Black XS

Here's a Christmas gift idea that every sexy men and women would surely love!

Check out this new fragrance by Paco Rabanne - Black XS L'Exces for him or for her.

Black XS L'Exces is perfect for your rock and sensual man because of its intense and sensual fragrance.

Black XS L'Exces For Her is perfect for every sexy woman who fantasies being a rock star. Get bold and distinctive, and feel mysterious and sensual , with the fruity, sweet notes of this perfume.



This post is sponsored by Paco Rabanne.

Grateful at 34

Today, I turn 34.

Source: hdwallpaperstop

Thank you Lord for this day, for the gift of another year.
Thank you for the goodness and love that surrounds me.
Thank you for the years of blessings, happiness, and success that gave me time to celebrate.
Thank you for the challenges, trials and strength that made me rise above negativity, and drove me to come closer to you.

Thank you for letting me experience Your goodness everyday.
Thank you for the gift of laughter, of family and friends that remind me of Your loving presence.
Thank you for listening to my heart and holding my future in Your hand.

Continue to enlighten me, broaden my understanding and faith
so I can stand still on the journey you have prepared for me.

Thank you to everyone who remembered me today - my family, relatives, friends and online friends
All your messages, greetings and good wishes remind me of how much I am appreciated and loved.

"All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
... All of my heart, all of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to You
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life."

GoNuts Donuts Treats

I love donuts!

I got 18 pieces of these yummy treats from GoNuts Donuts.

From their latest Luscious Creations, I love their  Choco Cookie Butter Crunchy for its dark and crunchy chocolate taste and the Cookie Butter Crunchy for its crunchy cookie butter goodness!

I also want try their Cro-Nuts and GND Spreads soon.

Thank you GoNuts Donuts for your generosity!

#celebrating10yearsofdeliciouscreations
If you enjoy eating GoNuts Donuts like I do, you might want to join their ongoing promos.

+Photo Contest
Its their Anniversary Photo Competition where your creativty can win Hotel H20 Accomodation or DTC Mobile Android phones.

+Weekly Promos
You can have fun joining their Twitter Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesdays, Throwback Thursday and Facebook Fridays contest where you can win gift certificates.

Check out GoNuts Donuts for more details!

After Typhoon Yolanda: Help and Pray for the Philippines

Super typhoon Yolanda bought a terrible tragedy to our country. Its effect is devastating after it made landfall in the country Friday, November 8.

Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is said to be one of the powerful typhoon ever recorded in history . Thousands of people got affected and died. Families were displaced from their homes and casualties were recorded.

Praying for the people who lost their lives and everyone who got affected. 

World sends emergency aid and the donations keep pouring in.
Leaders and celebrities offered their prayers and messages of sympathy.

Pope Francis @Pontifex
"I ask all of you to join me in prayer for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda especially those in the beloved islands of the Philippines."

Statement of US President Barack Obama on #YolandaPH

Source: Whitehouse.gov

#YolandaPH Support from International Celebrities

Rihanna @rihanna

Josh Groban @joshgroban

David Archuleta @DavidArchie

Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto called for a minute of silence during the during MTV EMA music awards.

Fellow Filipinos who dedicated their fight for their country:

Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner Up Ariella Arida













Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire Jr.

#YolandaPH Relief Operations and Donations

The Philippines need more help. Here's how you can help and extend your support:

The Philippine Red Cross
World Vision
World Food Programme
Gawad Kalinga
DSWD
Sagip Kapamilya
GMA Kapuso Foundation

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Win a Legoland Malaysia Adventure Family Vacation

How does a Legoland Malaysia Adventure sound? I know my kids would be thrilled to visit Legoland Malaysia and enjoy a day of fun and adventures.

Legoland Malaysia Adventure Family Vacation Raffle Promo

Want to win an amazing family vacation to Legoland Malaysia?

Now, you can treat your family to an out-of-the-country vacation. Join the Legoland Malaysia Adventure Raffle Promo! Mercury Drug Corporation, in partnership with Mead Johnson Nutrition Philippines, gives you and your family a chance to win that well-deserved, dream vacation to Legoland Malaysia!

This is your ticket to an ultimate family adventure! It's the perfect time to learn, create memories and bond over fun, new experiences.

How to Join?

Joining is very simple - just submit a photo of the receipt of your purchase of any participating Mead Johnson products (Enfagrow, Enfakid or Lactum 3+/6+) from any Mercury Drug branches nationwide

Participating Mead Johnson products: Lactum 3+, Lactum 6+, Enfakid A+ and Enfagrow A+ Kid in 900G, 1.2 KG, 1.6 KG or 1.8 KG.

You can submit as many entries as you can to increase your chances of winning. A raffle entry will be determined per participating product purchased. All winners will be selected via electronic raffle.

Prizes are as follows:
60 weekly winners of Mercury Drug Gift Certificates (5 winners weekly)
30 monthly winners of iPad Minis (10 winners monthly)
ONE GRAND WINNER of a Legoland Malaysia family vacation for 4 (to be drawn on January 08, 2014)

Participants must be parents or guardians of kids between 37 months to 10 years old, and must LIKE the Mercury Drug Facebook page - along with any of the Mead Johnson Facebook pages: Lactum Philippines - or Enfalearn Philippines.

To join the raffle promo, visit: https://apps.facebook.com/legolandmyraffle

Hurry! Legoland Malaysia awaits!

Promo Period: October 7, 2013 - December 31, 2013

Driving Through Life: Rev Up Your Ride with Foton

A well-lived life is like driving a car.

My journey through life has been a long and winding road. It had taken me past several mile markers. There were smooth, straight and rough paths... days when I live life in the fast lane, and days when I take it real slow. Times when I have to watch the dial on the dashboard slowly failing until it reaches empty. Yet, mustering to fill it back up with what I have left.

Yes, I keep on going. One stop after the other, one turn in another. I make a choice to speed up, slow down, swerve, and avoid the traffic, just so I can continue on my path. Not just for me, but more importantly, for my kids and my family.

As I keep my focus on the road ahead to reach my destination, I continue to make turns and make minor adjustments along the way.

Behind the Wheel

Every time I step on the car, I remember the importance of looking at the rear view mirror. It's like reflecting on where I've been, checking who may be behind or how I reach where I am now. That fleeting glance gives me a perspective that behind me is the past and the future lies ahead.

Still, what's in front of me might not always be bliss, but I remain optimistic. I am certain that if I try to drive in reverse, I would experience an inescapable crash. Looking in the rear view once in a while helps, but I never let my eyes linger for so long for fear that I might miss the curves ahead.

Keep Driving.

There are lots of different roads to take, but I always have to choose the right path. I learned to detour and make a U-turn. Every journey makes life worthwhile.

Yes, I don't have to stay on the road I am currently on. I can change gears and continue to adapt. It proves one thing - that I am willing to embrace and drive in a different direction anytime - to a greater road ahead, and even behind a new wheel.

Life is a highway, and I'm always ready to drive!


Driving a Futon

Now, it's time to answer the question - "Why would I swap our old car for a Foton?" 

Some things are never meant to last. It’s time to gear up and embrace those changes, just what it has always been. Living with a Futon is more than the realization of a dream, it is the fullfilment of our family's ultimate need.

A woman in her Futon is a beautiful thing! This would make me feel more powerful while on the road. It projects an undeniable presence giving me a better driving view and command on the road.

On the intersection.
I have a choice between the Thunder or the new View Traveller van - which is yet to be unveiled at the Foton Big Show on October 25 to 27. Better watch out for that!

Thunder

For this moment, let me choose the Thunder.

Let the Foton Thunder be my King and I will ultimately be the Queen!

The maneuverability, spacious rear seating and the incredibly comfortable driver's seat will give me that certain cachet as I drive that dependable and powerful vehicle. I can be behind the wheel feeling powerful and up tall! Or be its passenger feeling safe and comfortable!

This would be a family vehicle that can accommodate the many different roles I play in life - wife, parent, professional, friend, adventurer, and a lot more.

I can drive a Foton and still be a lady in every sense of the word!

I want a Futon to navigate safely through traffic and reach our destinations. How great it would be to see what's coming towards me for I'm looking through the big windshield in front of me. Not only is it capable of hauling everything, it is the perfect weekend adventure and getaway vehicle.

Outstanding design, cost-efficiency, functionality and family-friendliness, makes it a winner in every sense. Added to this is its dominating aura that somehow elevates innovation and transforms reality. While it looks tough and modern from the outside, its interiors simplicity is not over-bearing.

Its powerful Cummins-sourced 2.8L CRDi diesel engine 160HP equals great performance. Its dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes will keep us safe. This would allow me to handle the rough living conditions on the road with strength and quiet confidence.

Simply put, I just have to roar away with that THUNDER!

Why choose the new Futon View Traveller van? 

Ever since I got married, we've been on the move - from Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig up to Cainta - as to where our next place would be, I have no idea yet.

Grateful enough that through those years, our family car and SUV made our daily journey more convenient. Still, moving all our stuff from one place to another is always challenging. It took us numerous trips to transport our things.

Yes, I drive with a purpose in mind. Our family do what we love most - from buying furniture to bringing the whole family along on getaways. The large and spacious interior makes it all possible.

Aside from that, the kids are growing and our family is getting bigger! The wide and spacious interior, plus the comfort and safety is definitely a big plus. Now, our family can enjoy riding together in one big van! Gas savings and the moment of togetherness it would bring are beyond compare.


Drive through Life like a Futon

It's time to own a Futon!

Changes doesn't always mean starting anew, sometimes it also means continuing my journey through life. I have choices but I know with Futon, my life would keep on running smoothly and efficiently as possible.

I am ready to accelerate. This would keep me on my journey, but this time, with renewed vigor, strength and enthusiasm. And definitely more exciting!

With Futon, I can drive with all my might... way beyond borders!


Foton Big Show 2013 Grand Launch

See this for yourself!

Join Foton’s Big Show 2013′s Grand Launch at the World Trade Center on October 25 and witness the launching of the new Foton View Traveller, and also groove with the FOTON Dancing Wheel Loader, which is the first in the Philippines. Get a chance to trade-in your old vehicles from October 26 to 27 avail of BIG DISCOUNTS and BIG REWARDS when purchasing FOTON vehicles at the event. Receive amazing giveaways just for coming and you get even more when you test drive our passenger vehicles or attend our forums and trainings. No entrance fee!

I encourage you to go out there, do a test drive to appreciate the strength, revel in its features and understand the practicality and the versatility of Foton vehicles.

Register here: http://bit.ly/FotonContest

Go ahead, don't miss this great show!

Jollibee Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Champ and Thor's Hammer

Have you tried Jollibee's Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Champ already?

special Thor packaging

We had our first bite last night when hubby bought this burger home.

It's a Champ! No wonder that the beef patty is 1/3 pound! Love that it's loaded with crispy bacon strips, mushroom and generous amount of melted cheese sauce.

yummy!

This burger travelled for more than an hour before it reaches our mouth! Reason why the cheese drifted to the sides and the bacon doesn't look like it's still crispy. :)

But this is really a yummy and Thor-riffic offer by Jollibee! My hubby gets to buy this Thor Mjolnir USB Flash Drive for only Php 95. It's Thor's hammer and 1 GB USB storage device in one!

Thor's hammer! Cute collection

this USB works!

I wonder if foodies, Marvel fans and Thor fanatics would line up and grab this Thor-riffic treat by Jollibee. It might be sold out soon.

Give yourself a treat! Grab this Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Champ for Php 129.00 or for Php 165.00 (with drinks and fries).

This is perfect in time for the movie Thor 2: The Dark World which will open in theaters on October 30, 2013.

Pharmaton Treat: Gravity in 3D Movie and Bubba Gump Dinner

Unstoppable! It was indeed a night filled with unstoppable treats - from dinner, drinks, photobooth, Pharmaton giveaways and more.

Lucky, I was among the winners who got to enjoy this Cinexclusive Treat from Pharmaton PH. I invited mama and hubby to come along.

We were treated to a dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Greenbelt 3. The restaurant was  filled with memorabilia from the movie Forrest Gump.

We had a full meal. Dessert served with cream and vanilla ice cream, and a cup of coffee with chocolate chip cookies followed afterwards.

This was filling!

my dessert!

If you have a budget, treat yourself and your family for a sumptuous meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co and try all their shrimp dishes.

Dinner was followed by an exclusive movie screening of the movie "Gravity" in 3D starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

Go watch the movie Gravity!

For me, this movie explores important lessons in life - letting go when you have to, facing your fears, not giving up when the odds are against you; and embracing your faith. In those difficult moments, we can discover our true strength. It reminds me not to let life slip away!

That's my Chimara popcorn... it's good for health-conscious people :)

Inside the theater, we enjoyed the complimentary popcorn from Chimara Neo-Vegan Cafe and water/ice tea. 

The night doesn't stop there!

We head back to  Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to enjoy the free cocktails.

cheers!

And here's our own movie poster!

with Derek

Thank you Pharmaton PH for the Unstoppable Treat!

"To restore physical efficiency and to comabt fatigue, take Pharmaton capsules."

Philippine Holidays 2014 Official List

Palace releases the official list of Philippine Holidays for year 2014.

Even if I work online and I seldom enjoy these days, I still look forward to these holidays. Here's the much anticipated list of Regular holidays, Special non-working days and Special holidays

Official Philippine Holidays for 2014 (Read Proclamation No. 655)

A. Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Wednesday)
Maundy Thursday – April 17
Good Friday – April 18
Labor Day – May 1 (Thursday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Thursday)
National Heroes Day – August 25 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Sunday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Thursday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Tuesday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

Chinese New Year – January 31 (Friday)
Black Saturday – April 19
Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Thursday)
All Saints Day – November 1 (Saturday)
Additional special (non-working) days) – December 24 (Wednesday), December 26 (Friday) and December 31 (Wednesday)

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Tuesday)

Save these dates and mark your calendars! There are four long weekends to enjoy next year!

Dance for Life!

My daughter was invited to be part of Dance Plus' "Benefit Concert." It's a ballet dance concert held last September 21 at Robinsons Galleria. It's a great experience since its for the benefit of the kids of Kythe Foundation.

They performed a ballet piece with the song "Habang May Buhay" - a perfect song, not just for kids with illness, but for everyone. It's a very meaningful and heartfelt song that brings life, messages of hope and wonderful memories of love.

I'm glad that my daughter took part in this benefit concert. It opened our hearts to share our blessings to others. This event makes people realize that they can also help even in the simplest way.

"Habang May Buhay"

good job DILC-Dance Plus girls!

More about Kythe Foundation

Kythe (kayth) is a Scottish word which means healing through simple sharing and togetherness.

Kythe Foundation inspires hope through its Child Life Program. It's a non-profit organization that provides psychosocial care in hospitals in indident children. They promote optimum growth and development these children with chronic illnesses.

You also can be part of Kythe!

How can you help?
By donating to Kythe you can create a positive hospital experience for children and their families.

To know more, check their website at www.kythe.org or email them at info@kythe.org.

Dance Plus ballerinas and people from Kythe foundation